Amapolas son rojas

I predicted that traveling abroad for just one day would be sensory overload for me. I try to "take it all in" and I'm going to explode because I am learning so much and fascinated by the simplest things. Let me offer the highlights of today's experience getting to and in Toledo.

MORNING
So this morning, our plan was to meet downstairs at 9am because we were not exactly sure how to find the school and had to gather by 10am. Melissa Lang planned to leave her apartment in Alcala at 8am to ride the metro to meet us. I set my alarm for 12:45am (because I am using my phone from home and the clock never changed). I wake up at 2:30am... that means I woke up half an hour after I intended to leave. Oops. Both of my roommates were still asleep, and freaked out when I woke them up. I was out the door in 4 minutes... and only to stand in the street thinking, "Ha ha. Why did I rush when I have no clue where to go?". I have no phone. No stores are open to call Melissa and tell her not to hate me. She is wandering around Madrid with no internet for me to message her. Our host mom will not allow us to use her phone to call the school, our directors, or Melissa (I thought exactly what you are thinking right now), and I have no idea how to get to the school. Long story short, we take the metro to what our best guess of the school's location is to miraculously find Melissa walking the street! She had gotten a police escort to the school! Yes, Melissa Lang had two Madrid policemen drive her around town until they found the school, of which she did not even know the name. Really, Lang? Congratulations.
We made it just in time to jump on the bus. It was a great start to an awesome second day in Madrid.

TOLEDO
...breathtaking. We first visited the remains of a Roman circus. Yes, my hands touched the "concrete" Romans invented. My feet walked the path of the chariots that raced twenty centuries ago. I saw real Roman aquaducts that brilliantly irrigated new vegetation in a dry region, before the time of Christ. I wanted to blink and open my eyes to see that place thousands of years ago. I also really wanted to go home and watch Gladiator.

The city of Toledo is surround by the Tajo (?) river. The river is a protective barrier and at the end of each bridge across the river stand massive gates to the city. I think these are SO cool! People entering the city to sell goods were stopped by these doors to pay a tax to enter. Doors to the city were also shut in times when disease plagued the area. The gate contains several consecutive arches, each crafted from very different architect and design than the one before it. This "building on top of the same thing" occured when one people group claimed control of the city. They built their signature arches in front of the previous one. The gate began with classic Roman arches with a keystone, then elaborate Gothic arches, then horseshoe type Arabic arches, and Roman arches again. Bricks and mortar tell great stories.

Toledo is where Don Quixote's story begins. Cervantes, although Toledo is not his birthtown, is very significant to the city.
Toledo IS famous for its swords, as I had said... and swords are everywhere! Mom, I bought you one (kidding). They are also famous for their "damasquino" design which is a very ornate black and gold jewelry design. The world's best olive oil is said to come from Toledo. I fell in love with the cobblestone streets that completely brought to life tons of Disney movies and Spanish paintings I have seen.
I also learned in Toledo (whose original name was Toletum... Greek work but evolved to Toledo as Western influence strengthened) that all words in the Spanish language beginning with "al" are arabic words... and there are so many of them. It makes sense. The two languages are much more similar than I thought.

LUNCH
Jackpot! Many Spanish cafes feature "el menu del dia" which is basically a three course meal for a set price with a few choices of each course. For only 11 euros (about $16) I enjoyed agua mineral (bottled water), vino de verano (literally translates "wine of the summer" because it is a fruity red wine mixed with something like Fanta soda), bread and olive oil, jamon y melon (cured ham and melons, not my favorite), pescada y papas (grilled fish and these little potato cuts, delicious!), and flan for dessert. It was SO much food (Spaniard's large meal is lunch) and a lower price than most places. Oh, it was so delicious and left me in much need of a siesta. The vino de verano is an odd combination; I find red wine and soda to be at opposite ends of the beverage scale of luxury. Yet it is a brilliant mix.

THOUGHTS
I feel comfortable here.
I LOVE the Spanish language.
I continue to find The Divine in such simple things. I felt God today in poppies (the red flowers that paint the hills of Spain... and the ones you can smoke Opium from. Oh, but that's not how I felt Him, ha.), in ancient cobble stone paths, in gorgeous buildings, bus rides, and even a chaotic morning. I do believe His Kingdom is today and exists far beyond the walls of any church building, but rather in our love for one another and His creation.
My love for food is universal.
My love for dogs (especially chocolate labs) is universal. (This is Tristan whom I met today.)
There is a fabulous park next to our perfectly placed apartment where I will run tomorrow after class. Lots of dogs, children, fountains, and runners. It's perfect.

Didn't I have a sweet day? Class begins in the morning, in a few short hours actually, and I am thrilled. I hope these six weeks pass at the perfect pace. I feel amazed, intrigued, welcome, capable, and most of all, I am overwhelmed with God's sovereign presence and blessings. I am thankful to be here and hope to "ride all the rides."

I did not have my camera today so Melissa Lang was my photographer. Thank you, Muhlang.

And I am sorry, and impressed, if you actually just sat through my random thoughts and my recount of what I had for lunch. :)

Peace be with you...